89 / 100
The strongest thread here is the meeting of dark chocolate and bright orange, with ginger and spice adding warmth rather than pushing the character in one direction. The finish is specifically described as long, carrying that citrus through apricot jam, marmalade, and roasted hazelnuts. That sustained, layered close is a real point in its favour for me, and gives the richer chocolate and fruit notes a clear place to land. There’s plenty to follow without the comment needing to lean on age alone.
Reviewed by BluehourSoda
- Nose
- Fresh fruit sweetness, Toasted nuts, Crystallised ginger coated in dark chocolate, Hints of sweet spice, orange, mint, honey, raisins, caramel fudge, vanilla, peaches, apricots, and nutmeg
- Palate
- Dark chocolate-dipped almond, Candied orange, Nutmeg, Warming ginger, Grapefruit, Ripe figs and prunes, Vanilla, Roasted orange peel, Citrus, raisins, caramel, honey, black pepper, cinnamon, and oak
- Finish
- Long and warming, Apricot jam, Bitter orange marmalade, Chocolate meringue, Allspice, soft spices, roasted hazelnuts, and hallmark Arran citrus flavour